Real Estate

How To Get the Property You Want? – Expert Tips for First Time Buyers

By Ryan Bradman | April 22, 2022

Table of Contents

Buying your first home can be an exciting and overwhelming process all at the same time. But with a little preparation and guidance, you can make the experience a whole lot easier. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of expert tips for first-time buyers.

Tips To Get the Property You Want

1. Get Your Finances in Order

One of the most important things you need to do before starting your home search is to get your finances in order. This means getting a clear picture of your credit situation, as well as saving up for a down payment and closing costs.

Also, work towards getting pre-approved for a mortgage from a lender. This will give you a better idea of what you can afford and also put you in a stronger negotiating position when it comes time to make an offer on a home.

2. Remember the Estate Agent is Not Working for You But For the Seller

When you’re working with an property agent, it’s important to remember that they are not working for you but for the seller. This means that they will be looking out for the best interests of the seller and not necessarily what’s best for you. Be sure to do your own research and don’t rely on your estate agent to give you all the information you need. For instance, you can take the help of property investment tools to find the best property deals faster.

3. Resist the Urge To Gush Over the Property When Viewing It

When you’re touring homes, it can be easy to get caught up in the moment and start gushing over a property that you really like. But resist the urge to do this, as it could potentially hurt your negotiating position later on. The seller or their estate agent should not get wind of how much you like the property. So, try to keep your emotions in check and remain calm and rational when viewing homes. It’s best to wait until after the negotiation process is complete before expressing your excitement.

4. Note That the Asking Price Is Not the Same as the Value of the Home

The asking price is not the same as the value of a property. The asking price is what the seller hopes to get for the property, but it’s not necessarily what it’s actually worth. So, when you’re looking at homes, research on similar properties in the area to get a better idea of what the home is actually worth. This will help you come up with a realistic offer that is based on the true value of the property and not just the asking price. You don’t want to overpay just because the seller has an unrealistic asking price.

5. Don’t Forget Your First-time Buyer Advantage During Negotiation

As a first-time buyer, you have a few things working in your favor during the negotiation process. For one, you are not selling one property to buy another, which makes you more proceedable. Sellers are often more motivated to sell to a proceedable buyer, as it means a quicker and smoother transaction.

You can also take the help of conveyancing solicitors because they can assist you in with all the required paperwork so that you get the property of your choice easily and quickly. Also, first-time buyers are often perceived as not as familiar with the market and the negotiation process, which gives you an advantage. Use this to your advantage by being calm and confident during negotiations. Remember, the goal is to get the best possible price for the property, so don’t be afraid to stand your ground or walk away from the negotiating table if you’re not getting what you want.

6. Stick to Your Budget

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of buying a home and start stretching your budget. But it’s important to stick to what you can actually afford. Just because you’re pre-approved for a certain mortgage amount doesn’t mean you have to spend that much on a home. Consider all the other costs associated with homeownership, such as property taxes, maintenance, and repairs. Also, remember to leave some wiggle room in your budget for unexpected costs. By sticking to your budget as advised by your financial advisor, you’ll avoid financial stress down the road.

Conclusion

As a first-time homebuyer, it’s important to be aware of the potential pitfalls and be prepared for the negotiation process. By doing your research and being realistic about what you can afford, you’ll be in a good position to get the best possible deal on your new home. Keep these tips in mind in order to make the process smoother. Most importantly, remember to have fun! Buying property is a big step, but it should also be an exciting time in your life.